Random Moments Past #2

Layin' down some fonky toons! Sometime in 2005...

Random Moments Past #1

Trying a Morrocan Beer. London 2007. Verdict: Not bad!

Musical Reappraisal

I was surprised to read this article online at the Guardian website by music cirtic Simon Reynolds . It's a piece about the early electronic musicians that seem to have been ignored by modern electronic dance music culture. He covers the musical developments in the 1970's of electronic music that had it's roots in Germany and then later went global, covering such artists as Tangerine Dream , Klaus Schulze , Jean Michel Jarre , Vangelis and others.
The early work of these artists was quite groundbreaking and their works influence on modern music can still be felt today. All are still active, sometimes with hit and miss artistc merit, but their early work is still worth checking out. I was quite chuffed to read this article, as I still enjoy this early inspiring period of avant-garde turned popular electronic music.

Some listening:


Tangerine Dream: Rubycon


Klaus Schulze: Moonlake


Jean Michel Jarre: Oxygene


Vangelis: Blade Runner


Kraftwerk: The Man Machine

Roy

This entry is of a serious note, as I am celebrating the life of my uncle Roy.

Last year while on my honeymoon, I had some terrible news from home. My uncle had lost his life in a motorcycle accident on his Sunday morning ride. This was October last year, a week after my wedding. It took a while to sink in, but with the support of the family we continued our honeymoon and working holiday in London and had a thoroughly good time, but in the back of my mind I was thinking of my uncle.

Now that I'm back in Sydney it's really hit home. My uncle was quite an influence on my life. He loved his motorbikes, books, dogs, classical music and travel. He was always there, as solid as a rock for the family, helping in anyway he could. He could be a serious man at times, but also had a wicked sense of humour and a big heart. Most of all he just wanted the best for us. He had a sense of wonder, imagination and curiosity about him. An avid reader, he always passed on things he had read about and ideas he had on things.

It's strange now he's gone. A death in the family is a tough time for those still around, where everyone is vulnerable and feeling the loss.

So for the memory of my uncle, I'll try to keep moving on and pursuing my goals like he encouraged me too, and remember all the good things about him.

I miss you Roy, thanks for everything.

General stuff

I haven't been doing much on the blog lately for various reasons. I'll get back to it. Meanwhile have a look at:

www.leonmusiconline.com to have a listen to some music I have written through the years. It's high time I got it out there a bit more.

More soon.